RE: ERO number 019-3471:…

RE: ERO number 019-3471: Eliminating Renewable Energy Requirements

I am writing regarding the proposal to repeal provisions that prioritize renewable energy in the Electricity Act and Ontario Energy Board Act.

I object to repealing these provisions for the following reasons:
We have a Climate emergency not only here in Ontario but all over the world.
Climate targets cannot be met without renewables
This repeal is completely out of step with what the world is doing
Most of the rest of the World is reducing GHG emissions and is developing renewable energy sources, including our largest trading partner, the United States
This repeal would definitely be a backwards step for Ontario

The International Energy Agency (IEA) report just released Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector, states “Renewable energy technologies like solar and wind are the key to reducing emissions in the electricity sector, which is today the single largest source of CO2 emissions.”[1] It is recommending increasing renewable energy.

Keeping renewable energy provisions in the two Acts would provide the following:
Reduce Ontarians’ electricity bills. According to the International Energy Agency, onshore wind and solar are now the lowest cost sources of new electricity supply in most countries and these costs are projected to continue falling. Quebec Hydro power at the offered cost of 5c per kwh is also significantly cheaper than the 9.6c per kwh for nuclear energy, a cost that is projected to rise to pay for the refurbishment of nuclear power plants.[2]
Provide job and educational opportunities. Renewable energy sources are the energy systems of the future. Young people in Ontario should have the same opportunity as their global peers to learn about renewable energy and train for the jobs they will provide.
Attract investors and research talent. By prioritizing renewable energy, Ontario could position itself as a clean energy leader. Failing to do will so, while other jurisdictions such as the United States invest trillions in renewable energy, will only put Ontario farther and farther behind.
Provide health benefits. Investment in renewable energy will reduce air pollution thereby improving the health of communities across Ontario and reducing public health expenditure.[3]
Enable Ontario to play its part in ensuring that Canada reaches its new climate target of 45% emission reductions by 2030 and net-zero by 2050. It bears repeating that failing to prioritize renewable energy will make meeting this crucial target extremely difficult.
Climate scientists, including those at the U.N. have told us that we only have less than ten years now to meaningfully reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. The International Energy Agency just published its report that said that no new fossil fuel infrastructure such as pipelines can be built (and used) if we expect to keep Earth’s average temperature increases to 1.5 C degrees. In fact we are presently on target to have an at least a 3 C degree increase which will be catastrophic (sea level rise inundating all coastal cities plus the inability to grow food necessary for human life) to life on Earth including human civilizations

Given all these benefits as well as the dire risks in this repeal, I ask that you urge the provincial government to reconsider its proposal to eliminate provisions to prioritize renewable energy. For the sake of all Ontarians and particularly the children of Ontario, it is crucial that this province prioritize a clean energy future.